Offshore workers turn to weight-loss jabs to meet helicopter weight rules

Image source, Getty Images

New weight rules for travel offshore will come into force in November

Hundreds of offshore workers have been using weight-loss jabs to help meet maximum weight rules for helicopter flights due to come into force next week.

From Sunday, anyone weighing more than 19st 7Ib (124kg) in civilian clothing and footwear will be banned from taking a flight to an offshore platform covered by UK safety regulations.

When the new rules were announced last year, about 2,200 workers were over the limit but that figure has now fallen to fewer than 250, according to Offshore Energies UK (OEUK).

The industry body told BBC Scotland News that on one platform, 60% of staff had been taking weight-loss drugs and extra fridge space had been provided to keep the medications cool.

The average weight of offshore workers has risen over recent decades, and increased by almost 1st 7Ib (10kg) since 2008.

The new weight limit policy came after the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) warned that rescue winches – which are critical during offshore emergencies – cannot safely lift heavier people.

The figure was decided upon after factoring in the weight of the rescuer, stretcher and other kit that would add to the combined total.

Hundreds of North Sea workers too heavy for new helicopter rules